Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the CISH Office?

The CISH Office is located along the corridor from the Registry on level 6 above the Campus Shop on Square 4 in room 6.130.

We are open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm.

You can also contact us by email: cish@essex.ac.uk or telephone 01206 872688 / 873845.

How/when do I need to register?

You need to be registered at the University in order to study. Further information about registration is available on the Registration Office website.

What time are the Freshers' Events?

Full details of the CISH Freshers' Events are available online.

Other events will be going on and so please check online at Freshers' Events.

When does teaching start?

Freshers week starts on week 1 - the week commencing 1st October. Teaching formally begins on Monday 8th October. The teaching weeks and term dates are available online.

How will I receive information from the Centre/University?

You must check your University email regularly. This is how we will keep in contact with you. It is possible to connect your email to your smartphone.

What is MyEssex?

MyEssex is your own personal portal and allows you personalise a range of features which link to online services and information based on what it knows about you, such as your course. You will be given access to MyEssex once you have created your email account.

What is the Peer Mentoring Programme?

You will have a second or final year student assigned to you and they will help you to settle in and answer any questions you might have about University life. They can listen to and discuss any issues or problems you have. They are there to help you. You will meet your peer mentor at the CISH Fresher Event on Thursday 6th October and they may contact you by email during the first few weeks of term.

Will I be given a personal tutor?

Students will be assigned an advisor and this is usually your Course Director. You will be given the opportunity to meet with your advisor during the first few weeks of term and this will give you an opportunity to discuss any questions you may have.  If you feel as though you need to meet with an advisor before this, then we can always put you in contact with them. Please ask one of the Centre Administrators for further information.

Is there a forum where I can air my student views?

The Staff Student Liaison Committee provides a forum at which students are invited to air concerns or issues affecting all aspects of study.

You can put yourself forward to be a student rep and nomination forms will be distributed at the Freshers' Induction event on Thursday 6th October.

How can I get Lecture notes?

Lecture notes are usually made available online on the Course Materials Repository for each module.

The Listen Again audio recordings of Lectures can be a helpful revision tool, but must not be used as a substitute for actual attendance at Lectures.

Are there any recommended reading lists?

Reading lists are available via the online Course Materials Repository.

What is the Online Submission Server (OCS)?

 The Online Submissions Server (OCS) is where you will upload your assignments electronically. As our degrees are interdisciplinary it is important to find out from each department for the modules you are taking how they expect you to submit assignments.

What happens if I do not feel well and so unable to attend class?

It is important to attend both lectures and classes but if you are ill then please ensure that you contact your class tutor as soon as possible by email to let them know that you are not going to attend. Your class tutor can then give you any reading that you miss in class. If you are due to be absent for a longer period of time, then you must inform the Registry.

Return to CISH Home Page